Walker Morris Advises Tower Hamlets Council on First Known Local Authority Remediation Contribution Order Application

Walker Morris represented Tower Hamlets Council (LBTH) in the council’s landmark application for a Remediation Contribution Order (RCO), the first known RCO application issued by a local authority. The application seeks an RCO that would require the developer to fund the entity contractually responsible for carrying out remedial works under the occupational flat leases. If granted, the order would permit works to begin without further delay by bypassing the current impasse, unlock funding to drive remediation forward and accelerate progress for affected leaseholders and residents. The council says this approach aligns with the Government’s remediation acceleration plan and reinforces its commitment to resident safety. LBTH has already secured a remediation order against a building owner and continues to pursue proactive enforcement. Central Government funding for enforcement action is available to local authorities through the Remediation Enforcement Support Fund. Commenting on the RCO application, Siobhan Murphy, Principal Environmental Officer at LBTH, said: "We’re determined to ensure residents live in safe buildings and to remove barriers that delay vital remediation. When developers fail to act promptly to remediate life-critical defects, the Council will utilise every legal power available to protect leaseholders and expedite the necessary works. This RCO application is a further example of our commitment to decisive action and resident safety." Asia Munir, Director in Real Estate Litigation at Walker Morris, added: "Local authorities, building owners and leaseholders need clear, effective legal routes to unlock funding and drive remediation forward. We supported Tower Hamlets in bringing this landmark RCO application. Our experience with the Building Safety Act 2022 and the interaction with Housing Act enforcement powers enables us to advise on strategic routes that get remediation started – and finished – without further delay." Walker Morris represented Tower Hamlets Council with a team composed by: Asia Munir, Director, Real Estate Litigation. Tower Hamlets Council was represented in-house with a team composed by: Siobhan Murphy, Principal Environmental Officer.

Walker Morris Advises Tower Hamlets Council on First Known Local Authority Remediation Contribution Order Application

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